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In public without a mask? You may get a friendly reminder from the police.

But you can expect a friendly warning to cover your face next time you head out.

Law enforcement officials in the Southern Tier, while preparing for how to handle the state's latest directive in the weeks ahead, said they're largely counting on the public's common sense.

"I don't anticipate that we would be arresting anyone for this, unless there was an extreme danger to others," said Chief Patrick Garey, who leads the Village of Endicott Police Department in Broome County. "Before my officers took enforcement action, I would have to be confident the person is consciously disregarding the order."

Similar approaches are expected from other departments, including in Chemung County. Elmira Police Capt. Anthony Alvernaz said if officers find violations, their first step will likely be a reminder for the person to follow the state's order.

"We will not be using force or custodial arrests to enforce the order," Alvernaz said in an email Thursday. "So far, we have found the community complying with the Governor’s orders for the most part."

Chemung County Sheriff William Schrom said deputies would be more likely to stop and give a warning to a small group of people without masks than, for example, a person walking his or her dog along the sidewalk.

Cuomo's mask order makes clear that anyone who is out in public New York and is unable to maintain social distance must wear a mask or a face covering over their mouth and nose.

The caveat is important. If you're out for a walk and you don't come within 6 feet of anyone else, you won't have to wear a mask.

But if you're in a grocery store or picking up a takeout order or in any other situation where you'll be within 6 feet of someone, you will have to cover your nose an mouth with a mask or covering.

There are no penalties associated with Cuomo's mask order, but coming in a time of crisis, it essentially has the effect of law: New York residents are required to follow it as long as an official state emergency exists.

Repeatedly and knowingly violating the order could lead to charges such as a disorderly conduct violation or a misdemeanor of obstructing governmental administration, Schrom said, but that's not under routine circumstances.

"We haven't done that yet, and I assure you, it's not law enforcement's desire to do that," Schrom said of the potential for arrests. "My advice is, if you're doing what you're supposed to be doing and you see someone who isn't, I would just avoid them."

The Ithaca Police Department didn't respond to a request for comment, but issued a Facebook post Wednesday offering ways for the public to file an online report for complaints about people or businesses not abiding by social distancing rules.

Tioga County Legislature Chairwoman Martha Sauerbrey said this order from the state wasn't unexpected, and discussions are happening for how to carry out enforcement. Since personal protective equipment supplies have become limited, she said, the county has sought help from local residents with sewing skills to volunteer and make face masks.

Sauerbrey said she's not anticipating anyone would get arrested in Tioga County if they're seen without a mask in public, and she's confident the public at large will comply by thinking practically.

"I do not want to get in a position where we are making them wear masks, having people turning each other in if they're not," Sauerbrey said. "I'm really depending on our citizens to think wisely. If this gets us back open for business, I'm all for it."

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Desiree Bray‎, the administrator of the "Face masks for Broome County" Facebook group, has created hundreds of face masks for local healthcare workers and has also helped coordinate donations and drop-offs to those in need. Desiree Bray / Provided photo

Annie Kate Myers,an 11-year-old fifth grader at All Saints School in Endicott, has been sewing masks for local healthcare workers. She was born without a right hand and has learned to sew one-handed. Provided

Desiree Bray‎, the administrator of the "Face masks for Broome County" Facebook group, has created hundreds of face masks for local healthcare workers and has also helped coordinate donations and drop-offs to those in need. Desiree Bray / Provided photo

Corey Munn and Mike Wichowski, Project Lead the Way Teachers at Union-Endicott High School, are using the school's 3-D printers for the part of a face shield that rests on a forehead. They're also assembling the shields, which are being donated to local healthcare workers. Corey Munn / Provided photo

Corey Munn and Mike Wichowski, Project Lead the Way Teachers at Union-Endicott High School, are using the school's 3-D printers for the part of a face shield that rests on a forehead. They are then assembling and donating the shields to local health care professionals. Corey Munn / Provided photo

Corey Munn and Mike Wichowski, Project Lead the Way Teachers at Union-Endicott High School, are using the school's 3-D printers for part of a face shield that they are assembling and donating to local health care professionals. Other material, like the elastic and clear shield part, have been donated by other members of the district. Corey Munn / Provided photo

Corey Munn and Mike Wichowski, Project Lead the Way Teachers at Union-Endicott High School, are using the school's 3-D printers for part of a face shield that they are assembling and donating to local health care professionals. Corey Munn / Provided photo

Union-Endicott High School junior Abby Winans has been making orange face shields using a 3D printer at her Endicott home. She plans to donate them to local healthcare workers. Amy Winans / Provided photo

Brian Decker and Abigal Decker made masks for Elizabeth Decker (pictured) to wear to and from her job as a nurse at a local hospital. They also donated masks to her colleagues. Brian Decker / Provided photo

Brian Decker and his 6-year-old daughter, Abigail, sewed masks for his wife, Elizabeth Decker, to wear to and from her job as a nurse at a local hospital. They also donated masks to her colleagues. Brian Decker / Provided photo